Orange Roars Back in Second Half to Top Lutheran West on Homecoming Night, 21-7

PEPPER PIKE, OH- The Orange Lions made their annual homecoming game one to remember, rallying from a slow start to defeat the visiting Lutheran West Longhorns 21-7 on Friday night.

The Longhorns struck first, capitalizing on their second offensive series with a powerful 2-yard touchdown run, giving them a 7-0 lead early in the game. Orange's offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the first half, hampered by untimely penalties that stalled drives and allowed Lutheran West to control the tempo.

However, history was made late in the first quarter when senior running back Russell Tye etched his name into the Orange record books. Tye surpassed former standout Marcus Layton's career rushing record of 3,004 yards, becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher with a 10-yard burst that electrified the home crowd — even if the Lions went into halftime still trailing 7-0.

Momentum shifted swiftly in the third quarter. Orange opened the second half with a trick play, as Tye launched a perfectly placed halfback option pass to Chaz Rosiles for a 48-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

The Lions weren’t done. On their next possession, Rosiles delivered again, nearly returning a punt for a touchdown before being forced out at the Longhorns’ 9-yard line. Quarterback Jonah Frey capitalized, calling his own number and barreling in for the score, giving Orange a 14-7 advantage.

Frey would seal the win in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown strike to Xavier Carlisle-Winston, putting the Lions ahead 21-7 and completing a dominant second-half performance.

With the victory, Orange improves their momentum heading into their regular-season finale. The Lions will host West Geauga next Friday at 7 PM for senior night, as they look to close out the season on a high note.